Pulpex Limited, a company specializing in sustainable packaging technology, has raised £62 million in a Series D funding round. The investment, led by the National Wealth Fund (NWF) and the Scottish National Investment Bank, aims to support the development of a fibre-based bottle manufacturing facility near Glasgow. This facility is expected to produce millions of bottles annually, contributing to the reduction of plastic and glass packaging waste. Pulpex has collaborated with global consumer goods companies to create alternatives to conventional packaging materials. The investment highlights ongoing efforts to shift towards more sustainable packaging solutions.
Pulpex has been working on fibre-based bottle technology for several years. In earlier funding rounds, the company attracted investment from major brands such as Diageo, Unilever, and Kraft Heinz, which have explored the use of Pulpex’s packaging for their products. Previous developments focused on refining the composition of these bottles to ensure they remain durable while being fully recyclable. The latest funding indicates an increased demand for sustainable alternatives and the necessity of scaling production to meet industry needs.
What will the investment be used for?
The funding will primarily be allocated to the construction of Pulpex’s first large-scale manufacturing plant. The NWF has committed £43.5 million in direct equity, while the Scottish National Investment Bank has provided an additional £10 million. The remaining funds come from existing investors. This facility is set to become a key hub for fibre-based packaging production, creating local employment opportunities and strengthening the UK’s sustainable packaging industry.
How will Pulpex’s packaging impact the industry?
Pulpex’s fibre-based bottle, developed using wood pulp, is designed to be recyclable through household waste streams. Unlike some packaging alternatives, it does not contain hidden plastic components. The company holds certifications from the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) and the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), ensuring its products align with responsible sourcing standards. The scalability of this technology allows Pulpex’s partners to incorporate the packaging into their supply chains on a larger scale.
Pulpex’s headquarters in Cambridge currently house the company’s research and development operations. The planned Glasgow manufacturing site will mark a shift from pilot production to full-scale commercial output, with the capacity to produce up to 50 million bottles per year. The project is also expected to create 35 new jobs in Scotland. Several multinational corporations have already partnered with Pulpex to explore the integration of fibre-based bottles into their product lines.
“This investment will drive the decarbonisation of the packaging sector using leading-edge Material Bioscience to ensure this much-needed alternative to glass and plastic will deliver its ambition,” said Scott Winston, CEO of Pulpex.
“Just last month, we announced that Glasgow had been chosen as one of four areas where the UK Government will develop investment pipelines, and this new Pulpex facility, to be built on the outskirts of the city, is a prime example of how supporting regional growth will benefit people right across the UK,” said Scottish Secretary Ian Murray.
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves added, “This latest NWF investment is welcome news, creating jobs, sustainable growth, and opportunity in Scotland.”
With the increasing need for sustainable packaging solutions, Pulpex’s expansion aligns with broader industry trends. Many companies are seeking alternatives to plastic and glass to reduce carbon emissions and dependence on fossil fuels. Fibre-based packaging has been considered as one option, but challenges such as production costs and scaling capabilities have slowed widespread adoption. The new Pulpex facility will test whether such packaging can be manufactured at a competitive scale while maintaining durability and consumer acceptance. If successful, this model could be replicated in other regions looking to decrease reliance on traditional packaging materials.
